UF Health MedEd Cast

Dr. Austin Lam identifies considerations to employ when assessing reconstructive options for aerodigestive tract defects and other soft tissue defects within the head and neck, describing advantages and drawbacks of various commonly employed free tissue options and how to select the most ideal free flap for a given defect.

Cardiac amyloidosis used to be a disease with no treatment and poor outcomes. Now we have new treatment options, new ways to make the diagnosis, and much improved outcomes. Unfortunately, this disease is still very under-diagnosed, often until patients are in the late stages of the disease. Dr. Parker shares a brief update on how cardiac amyloidosis develops, and how it's diagnosed and treated in the modern era.

Jonahtan Wright, MD reviews the effect of smoking on functional outcomes and implant survival of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty. He and his team sought to compare functional outcomes and survival between non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers who underwent anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in a large cohort of patients. Our study suggests that smoking has a negative effect on aTSA functional outcomes that may persist even after quitting.

We discuss some of the main urologic goals for our pediatric patients with spina bifida. In addition to different treatment options and management considerations, we address the importance of multidisciplinary care.

Thomas Schrepfer, M.D., discusses what sialendoscopy is, how it works as a minimally invasive technique, and the benefits and limitations in treating salivary gland disorders.

Salvatore Scali, MD, provides a contemporary perspective on aortic surgery training will be discussed highlighting current case volumes and future projections among training programs in the United States. The barriers to open aortic surgical training and potential opportunities that are available to offset these challenges longitudinally will be discussed.

ECPR is a treatment option for patients who otherwise would face near-certain death. It involves the use of a machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lung.

Jeffrey Friedman, MD, FACS, FASMBS, discusses gastroparesis, a challenging condition where the stomach’s delayed emptying triggers discomforting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. He explores how precise diagnostic tests and a range of treatment options, from dietary changes to advanced surgical solutions, can offer relief and improve quality of life.

As a result of participation in this activity, participants should be able to:
1. Discuss UF neurosurgery research
2. Discuss importance of research
3. Discuss goals of UF neurosurgery research

Elias Sayour, M.D., discusses the challenges of creating therapeutic cancer vaccines, advantages for mRNA vaccines and how to adapt mRNA to treat patients with cancer.